Video broadcasting with return channel

ABSTRACT

A TV broadcasting system comprises: an outward broadcast link to reach each of a plurality of user receiver installations via satellite or via a terrestrial channel, and a return link from each of said plurality of users, said return channel being a terrestrial channel via a wide area network, typically a WAN, of which WAN said user receiver installations form a node. The WAN may also support an uplink. A satellite or terrestrial receiver installation is modified with an extra terrestrial antenna for the WAN and a splitter combiner allows the already installed cable link to the TV receiver to be retained. A residential gateway allows a household LAN and communication enabled devices to be supported via the TV/WAN infrastructure.

RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/501,411 filed Sep. 10, 2003 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/515,441 filed Oct. 30, 2003.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to satellite or terrestrial broadcastingwith a return channel and, more particularly, but not exclusively to amethod and apparatus for providing broadband services, interactive TVand gaming, broadband Internet access and internet telephony, fullduplex, three-way communication and like services requiring at least areturn channel to satellite (DVB-S) or terrestrial (DVB_T) televisioncustomers, particularly in relation to digital video broadcast feeds ofmultiple channels. Currently, cable operators are able to provide theircustomers with interactive television, Internet telephony and broadbandInternet services. Satellite operators however are limited in that it isimpractical to provide a return channel via satellite link.Nevertheless, if satellite providers wish to attract customers then theyhave to be able to compete with the packages offered by the cablecompanies.

A number of prior art systems have been proposed to overcome the aboveproblem and provide at least a return channel for the satellitecustomer. One proposal currently being adopted by satellite providers isto incorporate a telephone modem into the customer's decoder box. Whenthe customer attempts to use interactive TV then the modem dials aservice number and establishes a telephone connection. The system has anumber of disadvantages. For example it cannot be used whilst the user'stelephone line is engaged and additionally there is a call charge to bemade to the telephone provider. Furthermore such a service cannotprovide broadband Internet.

Another solution is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/811,593 which describes two-way data communication via satellite,using data communication in a first direction via satellites ingeostationary orbit, and data communication in a second direction viasatellites in a below geostationary orbit, either MEO or LEO. Thetransceiver is described as being particularly useful for providingInternet connections although the application of Interactive TV is notspecifically mentioned. Preferably, a LEO forward link is used forcontrol signaling, urgent data traffic and the like. The disadvantage ofthis solution however is that LEO satellites require directionalantennas and even for MEO the user's satellite dish has to be modifiedconsiderably or replaced in order to provide the necessary transmissionpower. Furthermore the satellite provider has to make sure thattransmission capacity is continuously available from MEO satellites. Thesolution is not economical, both the bandwidth and the necessarycustomer units are expensive.

Additional patents and applications relate to the application ofproviding a return channel to DBS, manly over PSTN line or two-waysatellite connection. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 20020004369;System and method for managing return channel bandwidth in a two-waysatellite system; U.S. Pat. No. 20010043575: System and method forproviding a two-way satellite system or U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,903: Methodand system for implementing interactive broadcast programs andcommercials or U.S. Pat. No. 6,515,680 Set top terminal for televisiondelivery system. See also U.S. Pat. No. 20020049038 Wireless and wiredcable modem applications of universal frequency translation.

Despite its popularity, there is slow deployment of broadband access(less than 20% coverage in the USA), mainly due to the limited coverageof xDSL capability and cable.

At the same time the demand for wireless access is growing and there arecurrently over 2400 wireless ISPs in the USA.

The success of WiFi (Wireless LAN) proves the demand of wireless access,but is limited to the short range so-called SOHO market. Existinglong-range wireless solutions, for example LMDS, MMDS, and the 3G (thirdgeneration cellular) are limited in functionality. That is to say theycurrently suffer from the disadvantages of being asymmetric, andproviding relatively low-speed data transfer. Consequently they providepoor support for low-latency applications, although they are optimal forvoice. The services are relatively expensive to deploy and thereforecurrently almost non-existent.

There is thus a demand for a standardized and cost effective MetroWireless Network to complement the WiFi solution.

To do so there is a need to move from today's fixed, line-of-site, voicecentric technology to new mobile, non-line-of-site and data centricwireless standards such as IEEE 802.16 and IEEE 802.20.

The Satellite TV or DBS market presents a huge customer base. In 2003there are over 100 million satellite digital set top decoder boxes (STB)providing Conditional Access (CA) in circulation and over 100 millionsatellite free to air STB's. By 2006 the market is expected to grow toover 350M CA digital STB's. In addition, DVB T penetration is growingwith over seven hundred thousand STB's in the UK only.

The DBS market and technology for DBS is the focus of the specificembodiments of the present disclosure, although it will be appreciatedthat the solutions presented herein are suitable for terrestrial (DVB-T)broadcasting as well.

DBS providers have to compete with terrestrial networks and particularlywith the cable networks who are able to provide broadband Internet,interactive TV, video on demand, games on demand and the like over theirinfrastructure.

The lack of an effective return channel and unicast support for DBS area serious limitation on the growth and provisioning of newservices—causing loss of market share and potential revenues fromexisting customers.

A return channel of some kind is required to support interactivetelevision and a unicast channel is required to supportrevenue-generating services such as VOD, VoIP, and Internet access. Thedifficulty that needs to be overcome is finding an effective way toprovide such a return channel and unicast support in association withsatellite broadcasting.

The lack of a natural return channel force DBS providers to cooperatewith telephony providers to solve the problem using a modem andtelephone link as explained above. However the telephone return channelis paid for separately, is costly if used extensively and restrictsavailability of the user's telephone line.

Other solutions for return channel or unicast services support includesatellite return (e.g. VSAT, ARTES) but the options are limited and thesolutions are not economical.

Customers ate looking for one-provider-one bill, just as they currentlyreceive from the cable providers. DBS providers are under pressure tobecome a full MSP (multi-Service Provider) and support the full range ofservices that customers are able to obtain from competitors. Table 1shows various schemes for broadband data transmission and tabulatestheir usability for various types of media. TABLE 1 Broadband NetworkStatus for MSP support Cable XDSL 3 G FTTH DVB T Satellite Voice Yes YesYes Yes No No Data Yes Yes Yes/No Yes No No Video Yes No No Yes Yes YesVOD Yes Yes No Yes No No RC 128 kb 128 kb 40 kb ˜ No No Cost $ $ $ $$$

It is clear from table 1 that satellite as such is currently unable toprovide any service that requires interactivity and/or a return channel.Furthermore triple play is limited to multi-channel television.

The 2002 Military Communications Conference Proceedings Vol. 1 2002 PP178-183—Satellite Terrestrial Broadcast System for DeployedCommunications—Nato Consultation Command & Control Agency, The HagueNetherlands, discusses the use of satellite digital video broadcastingas a feeder source for a WAN network to provide video signals for mobiledeployed units. A small capacity return channel is also available viathe WAN. The paper is aimed at mobile users and the application of thesystem to satellite TV subscribers is not immediately apparent since thesubscribers receive the satellite signal directly.

There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highlyadvantageous to have, a vehicle inspection system devoid of the abovelimitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided asatellite (DVB-S) or terrestrial (DVB-T) TV broadcasting systemcomprising:

-   -   an outward broadcast link to reach each of a plurality of user        receiver installations via satellite or terrestrial        broadcasting, and    -   a return link from each of the plurality of users, the return        channel being a wireless terrestrial channel via a wide area        terrestrial network typically a WAN, of which WAN the user        receiver installations form a node.

Preferably, the WAN further supports a second forward link to each ofthe plurality of user receiver installations.

In embodiments, the WAN is operative substantially in accordance withIEEE standard 802.16 or IEEE standard 802.20.

Preferably one or more of the nodes comprise support for acommunications hotspot.

Preferably, the communications hotspot is substantially in accordancewith IEEE Standard 802.11.

The system typically comprises a plurality of WANs, distributed overdifferent urban areas as convenient.

Preferably, each WAN comprises a central base station for broadcastingto other nodes thereof using a mesh algorithm.

The system may additionally make use of IP core infrastructure totransmit data between a head end unit and the various central basestations of the WAN. It is also possible to use satellite capacity totransmit to the individual WANs if desired.

The system may comprise a head end unit to direct TV channel contentover the outward broadcast link and to manage interactive services forrespective users using data received from respective users over thereturn link.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda TV broadcasting method comprising:

-   -   providing an outward broadcast link to reach each of a plurality        of user receiver installations,    -   forming at least some of said plurality of user receiver        installations into nodes of a terrestrial two-way transmission        network, and    -   providing at least a return link from each of said plurality of        users via said network.

Preferably, said outward broadcast link is a satellite link.

Preferably, said outward broadcast link is a terrestrial link.

Preferably, said network further supports a second outward link to eachof said plurality of user receiver installations.

Preferably, said network is a wide area network (WAN) substantially inaccordance with IEEE standard 802.16 or IEEE standard 802.20.

Preferably, at least some of said nodes comprise support for acommunications hotspot.

Preferably, said communications hotspot is substantially in accordancewith IEEE Standard 802.11.

The method may comprise building a plurality of networks to cover aregion.

The method may comprise providing said network with a central basestation for broadcasting to other nodes thereof using a mesh algorithm.

The method may comprise utilizing IP core infrastructure to transmitdata between a head end unit and said central base station.

The method may comprise providing a head end unit to direct TV channelcontent over said outward broadcast link and to manage interactiveservices for respective users using data received from respective usersover said network.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, andexamples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to belimiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present inventioninvolves performing or completing certain selected tasks or stepsautomatically. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation andequipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of thepresent invention, several selected steps could be implemented byhardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or acombination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of theinvention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software,selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality ofsoftware instructions being executed by a computer, or by a CPU placedwithin a set top box or like device using any suitable operating system.In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the inventioncould be described as being performed by a data processor, such as acomputing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now tothe drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are byway of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presentedin the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful andreadily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspectsof the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structuraldetails of the invention in more detail than is necessary for afundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken withthe drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the severalforms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing a general concept of the presentembodiments, namely of a user satellite receiver installation forreceiving a satellite feed and also forming a node of a terrestrial WAN;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing how an existing installed cableat the user satellite receiver installation is sufficient for a receiverinstallation augmented according to the present embodiments toincorporate WAN functionality;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing a modification of the embodimentof FIG. 2 in which WAN customer premise equipment is integrated with asplitter combiner in a single housing;

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating a modification of theinstallation of FIG. 2 for use in a multi-occupancy building;

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram illustrating a filter-only connection fora user in a multi-occupancy building who does not require a returnchannel;

FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram illustrating alternative connections to acentral feed for users in a multi-occupancy building who require areturn channel;

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating a system using one TVfrequency band and two WAN frequency bands;

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating a system using one TVfrequency band, two WAN frequency bands and two WiFi or hotspotfrequency bands;

FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic diagram of a rooftop satellite receiverinstallation showing two options for mounting a modification to equipthe antenna for WAN and if required for hotspot use;

FIG. 10 is simplified diagram showing in more detail the modificationoptions illustrated schematically in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing the modifications of FIG. 9viewed from the front of the antenna;

FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram illustrating the modifications of FIG. 9viewed from the side of the antenna;

FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a system forintegrated broadcasting and service management of a satellite link and aWAN two-way interactive channel;

FIG. 14A is a simplified diagram of a user installation for supportingsatellite broadcasting according to the various embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14B is a simplified diagram of an example user installation thatsupports Ethernet as a distribution medium from the roof unit to thehome and from the home gateway to the STBs;

FIG. 15A is a simplified diagram illustrating in schematic form thesystem of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15B is a block diagram illustrating in greater detail aconfiguration that retains compatibility with existing the Telco ortelephone line solution;

FIG. 16A illustrates a residential gateway device supporting a set topbox according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16B illustrates a configuration in which the set top box andresidential gateway are combined as a single device;

FIG. 16C illustrates a configuration in which a residential gatewaysupports a number of devices including a set top box;

FIG. 16D illustrates a configuration in which a combined set top box andresidential gateway supports a television and other householdcommunication enabled devices;

FIG. 16E illustrates a configuration in which a combined set top box andresidential gateway supports a number of standard set top boxes;

FIG. 17A illustrates a WAN formed from a plurality of satellite receiverinstallations and in which meshwise connections are available makingseveral paths available to reach groups or individual users;

FIG. 17B illustrates use of a backhaul channel between two WAN basestations;

FIG. 17C illustrates use of a repeater to support a backhaul channel;

FIG. 17D illustrates use of a local center and multiple repeaters tofeed individual base stations;

FIG. 18 illustrates the WAN of FIG. 17 in which the individual satelliteinstallations of the WAN support local hotspots;

FIG. 19 is a system diagram illustrating a WAN and hotspot supportingequipment arrangement from a system point of view;

FIG. 20 is a system diagram illustrating a residential gateway accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention from a system pointof view;

FIG. 21 illustrates the residential gateway of FIG. 20 connected to aset top box also shown from a system point of view;

FIG. 22 illustrates a residential gateway integrated with a set top boxaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 23 is a system diagram showing the DBS head end of FIG. 13 shownfrom a system point of view;

FIG. 24 is a simplified diagram showing a cable-based distributionsystem adapted in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a simplified diagram illustrating a terrestrial broadcastsystem adapted in accordance with embodiments of the present invention,and

FIG. 26 is a simplified diagram illustrating a hybrid cable andterrestrial broadcast distribution system adapted in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiments comprise a satellite (DVB-S) or terrestrial(DVB-T) based broadcasting system in which a digital TV feed is providedover a satellite or terrestrial connection to a user's satellitereceiver and wherein a 2-way preferably relatively high data ratechannel is provided over a WAN which uses each satellite (orterrestrial) receiver as a micro-base station for the WAN network. TheWAN network may be mesh configured so that multiple paths exist fortransmitting to each user, hence making it more robust. This may be bestachieved simply by using the DBS install base. The WAN provides at leasta return channel to enable interactive television and like services butmay also provide an outward channel of high capacity allowing unicastservices. Thus services such as Internet, Internet telephony andvideo/gaming on demand can be made available.

It will be appreciated that whilst the present embodiments concentratedon DBS, or more precisely DVB-S (digital video broadcast via satellite)the invention is as much applicable to DVB-T (digital videobroadcast—terrestrial), in which return and interactive channels can beapplied in the same way to the existing broadcast channel.

The WAN is preferably based on the WiMax (IEEE 802.16) standard, oralternatively on the IEEE 802.20 standard and/or on the DVB-T standard.

The IEEE 802.16 addresses the “first-mile/last-mile” connection inwireless metropolitan area networks. The 802.16 standard creates aplatform on which the present embodiments are able to build acost-effective broadband wireless solution which is high-speed and whichuses the existing satellite receivers as an infrastructure so that itcan be installed rapidly and cheaply.

The IEEE 802.16 or WiMax standard was approved on April 2002, after atwo-year, open-consensus process that involved the world's leadingoperators and vendors. IEE 802.16 enables interoperability among devicesfrom multiple manufacturers.

The standard is purely packet based and thus is eminently suitable fordata-based services. It includes a medium access control layer (MAC)that supports multiple physical layer specifications. The physical layersupports a wide-range band coverage (licensed and unlicensed) includingband 10 to 66 GHz (802.16c) and band 2 to 11 GHz (802.16a). IEEE 802.16eis the mobile version. Although the standard covers a very largespectrum it specifically targets the 2.4 Ghz, 3.5 Ghz, and 5.8 Ghz bandsand also targes operation of the 6-20 Mhz bands. There is also interestin the use of KU bands 12.2-12.7 Ghz, currently reserved for southboundsky use. This is a 500 Mhz band and may be considered for WAN and mobileuse.

The IEEE 802.16 standard provides up to 50 Kilometers of linear servicearea range and enables connectivity without a direct line of sight to abase station. The technology also provides shared data rates of up to 70Mbps, which, according to WiMax, is enough bandwidth to simultaneouslysupport more than 60 businesses with T1-type connectivity and hundredsof homes.

In addition, it is possible to transmit WiMax over cable, and this canfor example be used as a distribution method for reaching base stations.WiMax can then be used to extend Cable networks HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax)to remote locations. The extension involves using WiMax over the cablepart of the connection and then using wireless Wimax. Thus, from the HFCedge, wireless can connect to a Wimax base station and the HFC networkcan thus be extended to a remote rural area at a fraction of the cost ofhaving to lay cable in the conventional manner.

It is further possible to extend Wimax back over the cable networks tothe transmission source or headend.

Coax construction may apply from the cable modem to the roof overcoax/DSL or another—for the purpose of delivering a WiMAx service usingthe coax infrastructure, or from a Wimax supporting Cable STB—forsupporting home devices, or from any means of delivering Wimax overcable coax in addition to existing signals. The coax construction may bealternatively a totally separate delivery network from the headend, orfrom a fiber node, or from a coax node (such as the home units). Wimaxsupport can be integrated in the cable STBs or be a separate residentialgateway connecting to the Cable coax network. The WiMax support can belocal, say an NLOS embedded antenna, or via an external antenna.

Furthermore there are provided composite WiMax cable networks which areable to combine the advantages of both coax and fiber.

Returning to WiMax itself and the 802.16 standard makes highly efficientuse of bandwidth and supports voice, video and data applications withenhanced support of quality of service.

The standard is used in setting up the WAN and provides the physical andaccess layers needed to provide a two channel link that is powerfulenough to support interactive television and supply Internet atbroadband levels.

The preferred embodiments provide systems and a method to implementreturn channel functions and unicast services to multi-channel TVDBS/DVB users and service providers using metro wireless packet radio,typically the above described IEEE 802.16 but also 802.20. It will beappreciated that the standards are not mandatory, and in certainjurisdictions may be modified by local regulations. The standards arealso subject to amendment during the life of the patent. The skilledperson will appreciate that in certain cases he is obliged to use thestandards as given and in certain cases he may modify the standards oruse them merely as guidelines for the kind of service to be provided.

The present embodiments allow satellite TV (DBS) providers that arelimited today to multi-channel TV services to turn into multi-serviceproviders (MSPs), and the present disclosure explains concepts, methods,technology, systems, and tools for a DBS service provider tocost-effectively turn into a MSP. The resulting system is preferablytriple play and mobile ready

The presently preferred embodiments between them comprise the followingfeatures and aspects of the invention:

A satellite-based channel feed operated together with a return channeland preferably with a full-duplex terrestrial broadband channel.Preferably the terrestrial return channel is a WAN and may be based onone or more of the wireless standards discussed herein. The WAN mayadditionally provide a forward channel.

The use of a satellite dish infrastructure as available from existingsatellite users, as WAN nodes. The nodes may be WAN base-stations or WANrepeaters or simply receiver stations. In addition the satellitereceivers may be used as micro base stations for hotspots, particularlyusing the IEEE 802.11 standard.

A set top box (or satellite decoder box) that has a single antennaoutlet is adapted with a splitter/combiner (often termed dyplexer) tosend and receive WAN traffic and to receive satellite traffic over thesingle outlet (3-way). The receiver may additionally manage localhotspot traffic (5-way).

A satellite dish has a WAN antenna, a splitter and combiner and a singleoutlet. The splitter combiner modulates the WAN and satellite signals sothat they can be sent through the single cable and so that WAN signalscan be received from the cable for broadcasting. The WAN infrastructurepreferably also allows the WAN antenna to serve as a relay for trafficnot intended for the local user so that the WAN forms a mesh givingmultiple communication pathways to individual users, and enables the WANto span higher distances yet transmit at lower power. The modifiedantenna may also provide a micro-base station for a local hotspot.

A head end or broadcast station supports a one-way data streamingchannel which is broadcast via satellite and a two-way terrestrialchannel for a return link to support interactive services. An outwardterrestrial channel can also be provided. The combination allows forunicast signals to be sent to individual users, and allows interactiveTV, Internet, telephony via voice over IP (VoIP) and like services.—Aswill be explained below the system may further accommodate mobileservices according to the IEEE 802.16e or 802.20 standards.

A method of adaptation of an existing satellite dish by adding asplitter/combiner and a terrestrial antenna. The adaptation allows thedish to support both the satellite and terrestrial channels withoutmaking any changes to the connection between the satellite dish and theuser's internal devices.

A household communication hub has a bidirectional output to a satellitedish, and bidirectional outputs to household appliances or a householdLAN. The hub includes or is connected to a splitter combiner unit formodulating the WAN and satellite signals as above.

The principles and operation of a satellite system with return channelaccording to the present invention may be better understood withreference to the drawings and accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified diagramillustrating a satellite broadcast system with terrestrial WAN supportaccording to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Asatellite customer has a satellite dish 10 on the roof of his house 12.The satellite dish is linked to a set top decoder or set top box (STB)in the house 12 by a single cable, typically a co-ax cable 14 in theusual way (Typically RG6, RG11 or RG59 coax cables). Indeed it is apreferred feature of the present embodiment that the cable is notmodified when upgrading satellite TV receivers as this makes theupgrading process simpler and therefore cheaper. The satellite dish ismodified with a splitter combiner unit 16, miscellaneous supportingelectronics as needed, and a terrestrial antenna 18. The unit on theroof may be in the same housing as the WAN antenna or may be separate.

The splitter combiner function can transmit the WAN signal overdifferent bands either as RF, IF or Ethernet over the coax cable 14, andthese variations should be borne in mind in the following drawings.

The satellite dish itself receives a multi-channel video feed 20 fromsatellite relay 22 which is typically in geosynchronous orbit. Theterrestrial antenna 18 sends and receives radio signals 24 of abidirectional wireless WAN using any of the standards mentioned above orbased on modifications or variations thereof. Thus the satellite dishtypically serves as a receive-only device just as with a prior artsatellite TV receiver, whereas the terrestrial antenna provides a highcapacity two-way channel. Indeed, as will be described below, theterrestrial antenna and supporting electronics in fact not only send andreceive signals of the local satellite customer. As will be explained ingreater detail below, they also serve as a relay station for passingsignals between other satellite customers so that in effect a mesh isset up using the satellite infrastructure as a series of relayspermitting higher transmission distances for lower transmitted power thegreen effect. In addition the individual antennas may serve as microbase stations to support local hotspots under IEEE 802.11.

The splitter combiner 16 combines the incoming signals from theterrestrial and satellite antennas to send down the cable 14 and directsoutgoing signals from the cable 14 to the terrestrial antenna.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified diagramillustrating the pathway from the set top box to the antenna accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Parts that are thesame are given the same reference numerals and are not described againexcept as needed for an understanding of the present drawing. Again thesatellite dish 10 and the terrestrial antenna 18 are located together onthe outside of the building followed by splitter/combiner 16. The dishand antenna can also be separate if desired. A combined signal istransmitted through cable 14 and at the inside end of the cable is afurther splitter combiner 30 which splits the incoming signals andcombines the outgoing signals for transmission down the cable. Thesplitter combiner 30 is connected to a customer premises equipment (CPE)unit 32 which contains electronics for managing the wireless technologyof the terrestrial network and for using it, both for sending andreceiving data and preferably also for relaying data not intended forthe local recipient. The local unit is also connected to the standardSTB 34 which is in turn connected to television set 36. The set top boxis a conventional satellite TV STB and carries out functions such as D/Aconversion of digital channels and decoding of the incoming channels inthe standard manner.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a modification of theembodiment of FIG. 2 in which the indoor-end splitter combiner and theCPE are combined into a single unit 38. The modification is simply anintegration of the two within a single housing. Parts that are the sameas in previous figures are given the same reference numerals and are notreferred to again except as necessary for understanding the presentdrawing. The use of a single unit is aesthetically important as itreduces clutter at the indoor end.

A further possibility is to split the signal from the roof-top unit tothe home units via wireless technology (e.g. using a WLAN based on IEEEstandards 802.11, 16, 15. This is useful if there is no installed coaxcable or the coax cable cannot be used for any reason.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a simplified diagramillustrating a modification of the connection between the antenna andthe STB for a multi-tenant building. Parts that are the same as inprevious figures are given the same reference numerals and are notreferred to again except as necessary for understanding the presentembodiment. The skilled person will be aware that it is common to have asingle receiver for all users in a multi-occupancy building. The skilledperson will also be aware that in such a building, not all the userswill require the maximum offered levels of service. FIG. 4 shows ascheme for distributing the signal from the antenna to all the users inthe building and providing interactive channel functionality to thosewho require it. User 1 does not want interactive services and simplyrequires a satellite TV signal. User 1 is therefore supplied with filter40 which filters out any signals to do with the WAN system and allowsthrough the TV signal. Users 2 and 3 however require the interactiveservices and therefore are supplied with splitter combiners 42 which areconnected to the common supply cable 14. All of the connections of thecable are supplied with terminations that enable them to take either thefilter or the splitter combiner.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a simplified diagramillustrating in greater detail the filter connection to user 1 who doesnot require interactive services. The filter operates to filter out theWAN signals as described above so that the user does not receive them.It is noted that the filter may be located at the branch of the co-axcable, in which case only a single filter is required. Alternatively thefilter may be placed after the branch, in which case a second filter maybe required.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified diagramillustrating in greater detail the filter connection to users 2 and 3.Again the splitter combiner may be located at the co-ax branch or may belocated subsequent to the branch, in which latter case two may berequired. The figure shows connections both for discrete and combinedversions of the CPE and splitter combiner.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which shows the different frequencybands that appear at various points along the connecting wires betweenthe antennas and the set top box. A first frequency band 1 is reservedfor the incoming television signal from the satellite. The band is notchanged and simply is picked up at the satellite dish and transferred tothe set top box. A second frequency band, band 2 is used as an up bandfor outward broadcasting over the terrestrial antenna. The band ismodified at the upper splitter combiner 16 to form band 2.1 in whichband it is transmitted. Incoming signals are received at a band 3.1 andmodified at upper splitter combiner 16 to form a band 3. Band 3 istransferred down the co-ax cable 14 and provides the incoming signals tothe CPE.

The lower splitter combiner 30 is preferably transparent to band 1 butpresents a high pass (or low pass) filter towards the STB and a bandpass filter towards the CPE to ensure that each component receives thecorrect signal. The upper splitter combiner 16 is preferably alsotransparent to band 1 and includes an IF to RF converter for convertingbetween bands 2 and 3 and bands 2.1 and 3.1. It includes an antennatermination for the antenna and a cable termination for the co-ax cable.

It is noted that it is possible to send an RF signal directly over thecoax cable 14. In addition any combination of low/high/band pass ispossible, and, as mentioned above an Ethernet over coax interface can beprovided for the roof top unit and the CPE unit to allow Ethernet forthe cable connection.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a simplified diagramillustrating a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7 for additionallysupporting WiFi hotspot functionality. The system is modified by addingtwo more bands, bands 4 and 5, received/transmitted as bands 4.1 and5.1, over the terrestrial antenna. The new bands allow the accommodationof third party signals which are not intended for the user but insteadallow his receiver to be used as a micro base station for relaying hotspot signals to nearby mobile communication devices. The third partiesmay be any users with communications equipment who are in range and areable to log in to the system, allowing the WAN to provide wirelesshotspots in the local vicinity.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a schematic diagramillustrating two possibilities for attaching the WAN hardware to asatellite dish 50. The satellite dish has a stem 52 to which it isconnected to the roof or wall of a building. The dish also has aperipheral end 54. The WAN hardware including the terrestrial antenna ispreferably attached either to the stem 52 or the peripheral end 54.Whichever of the two options is used the antenna is mounted using anappropriate type of clip. The skilled person will appreciate that it ispossible to place the antenna anywhere else on the roof or house wall ifthe line-of-site transmission requires higher distances. Alternativelythe splitter/coupler may always be mounted on the stem, and the antennamay then be placed either together with the splitter coupler on the stemor the antenna may be separately mounted on the periphery of the dish.FIG. 10 is a rear view of the antenna showing both options in greaterdetail. FIGS. 11 and 12 are front and side views respectively of theoptions for mounting the antenna on the periphery of the dish with thesplitter coupler on the stem. The splitter coupler is connected via acable to the terrestrial antenna.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a simplified schematicdiagram showing a broadcast system for supporting a one-way channel feedvia satellite together with a two-way channel system via a WAN. Partsthat are the same as in previous figures are given the same referencenumerals and are not referred to again except as necessary forunderstanding the present embodiment. A transmission station or DBS headend 60 is connected to the Internet 62 and transmits a multi-channel TVfeed via satellite to the users. In addition the head end receives theWAN-based return channel and also transmits an outward channel over theWAN to provide unicast signals to individual users. The head endcomprises a series of servers such as a streaming server 64 whichprovides the TV channels and a video on demand (VOD) server 66 whichprovides individual video streams to individual customers who requestit. Other servers (not shown) provide other services such as Internet,voice over IP and Interactive TV and the like that it is desired toprovide to users. The TV channels are encoded for digital videobroadcast (DVB) at DVB encoder 68 and sent via satellite antenna 70 andsatellite relay 22 to all the users. Signals intended for the WAN aresent via router 72 and any suitable connection, typically some kind ofcore IP infrastructure 74, to WAN antennas 76 of which there ispreferably one for each WAN. Return signals from the WAN are received atWAN antennas 76, sent back by the core IP infrastructure, received atrouter 72 and sent to the server providing the relevant service. The WANsignals are preferably sent on from user to user until arriving at theantenna 10 of the intended user, using point to multipoint and mesh typerouting, as will be explained below in reference to FIG. 17.

Internet connections can also be local at a city concentrator and notonly at the headend. Thus it is possible to provide a connection to alocal ISP rather than a national ISP or to connect the VoIP to a localsupplier rather then backhauling the entire data stream to the head end.

Units may thus be added at either or both of the city concentrator orthe headend that can interface to existing infrastructure. For exampleit is possible to interface between the existing telco-return system andthe WAN at the headend as shown in FIG. 15B. The user has filtercombiners and a CPE as well as an STB as described above. In oneembodiment the user has a residential gateway 78 which is a unit thatacts as a household communications hub and is able to manage datarouting to different communication devices in the house such as a voiceover IP (VoIP) telephone 80 and a computer 82. In one preferredembodiment the residential gateway 78 supports a household LAN throughwhich it is able to direct data to the different devices.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14A, which is a simplified diagramillustrating how the set top box 34 is connected up to an integratedsplitter combiner and CPE unit 38 so that the TV receives the satellitesignals for display and also has a return channel and a full-duplexunicast broadband connection via the WAN. In addition the TV is able toreceive any video on demand or interactive TV signals that may be sentvia the WAN. As shown in the figure the STB has an RF connection to thesplitter combiner part of the unit 38 and a separate connection to theCPE part of the unit. The separate connection is preferably a V90 modemconnection, but can also be a lower speed modem working say at 2400 b/swithout V90 support. A separate connection is provided which can be anyone of a range of connection types including a USB port, an RS232 port,an Ethernet port, a WiFi connection or any other suitable connection.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14B which is a simplified diagramillustrating a solution in which Ethernet is used as the distributionmedium over the coax cable from the roof unit to the home and from thehome gateway to the STBs. In FIG. 14B an outdoor unit 43 is connected tothe satellite dish and WAN antenna. A coax cable connection links theindoor and outdoor units via bandpass filters 45. Both units have anEthernet/VDSL unit 46, a VDSL bandpass filter 47, and suitable powersupplies 48. The arrangement allows Ethernet distribution to be usedbetween the outdoor and indoor units over the existing installed coaxcable. A similar arrangement can be used to allow Ethernet distributionover existing in-house coax installation between the home gateway andthe home STBs. With the same approach it is possible to distribute overan existing twisted pair installation as well. It will be appreciatedthat the use of Ethernet is merely an example, and the installationcould also be designed to use IF and RF as the distribution medium.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15A, which shows in greater detail the DBShead end 60 and the WAN structure. Parts that are the same as inprevious figures are given the same reference numerals and are notreferred to again except as necessary for understanding the presentembodiment. The DBS head end 60 is connected to one or more Internetservice providers (ISP) through which users obtain their Internetservices also can be mid-way at city concentrators. The DBS head endcomprises router 72 and satellite antenna 70 as two separate routes forreaching users, as explained above with respect to FIG. 13. Server farm80 provides data for the television and other services, althoughInteractive services may be provided by a separate bank of servers 82. ATelco (telephone based) return server 84 may be provided to retaincompatibility with any persisting Telco return channel infrastructure.The telco infrastructure may or may not be provided with WAN-telcoconversion units, which are a multi-card version of the CPE units toprovide compatibility.

Router 72 leads over IP core 74, which is preferably an existing IPbackbone type infrastructure to the WAN base stations 76. As illustrateda single WAN base station serves a group of users. In FIG. 15 a singleWAN base station broadcasts directly to all users in the group, howeverthis is not necessarily the case. As will be explained below, not allusers need be in range of the main WAN base station and individual userinstallations may serve as relays or micro base stations to provide whatis in effect a cellular network.

FIG. 15B shows in greater detail a configuration that retains existingtelco functionality. In FIG. 15B the DBS IP network is connected to theTelco system 84 which in turn is directly connected to the WiNet 1000shelf 86 which houses much of the system hardware for the WAN basedchannels.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A-16E which are differentconfigurations for the customer premises. In each of the figures atelevision is connected to the WAN/satellite infrastructure, and in someof the figures other devices are connected as well. In FIG. 16A aresidential gateway unit 90 includes the electronics of the CPEdiscussed above and may be connected directly to STB 92. In FIG. 16B,STB 94 includes the CPE electronics and may be connected directly to thetelevision. In FIG. 16C the residential gateway unit 96 is the same asin FIG. 16A and is connected to set top box 98 and additionally to otherhousehold devices such as computers 100. In FIG. 16D the combined settop box and residential gateway of FIG. 16B is connected directly totelevision 102 and other devices such as a telephone or a computer. InFIG. 16E a user having multiple television sets at his premises isaccommodated by providing a single master STB 110 which includes theresidential gateway and preferably the CPE electronics. The master STBis connected by existing cables to the user's additional television setsand standard STBs 112. In fact, communication between the master andadditional STBs may use the 802.11 wireless standard, or the 802.16standard or may use coaxial cable as the distribution medium.

Furthermore the distribution from the rooftop installation to the masterSTB may use the same range of distribution media.

The master STB's distribution function can be separated from the STBitself and a unit may be provided that serves as a distributor to allthe home STBs via home networking (over WiFi, coax, or other Home PNAtechnique, or the like, depending on existing installed wiring such ascoax and twisted pair).

Reference is now made to FIG. 17A, which is a simplified schematicdiagram illustrating operation of the WAN. A number of satellite dishesare available in a given locality. The satellite dishes each act asrelay stations providing a WAN network in which each node is able tocommunicate with any other node that is in range, hence providing meshconnectivity. Consequently the network can provide numerous alternativeroutes to any given user, making the WAN very robust and improving theavailable capacity. As discussed above, this involves enablingbroadcasting over higher distances, at lower power.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17B which is a simplified diagramillustrating a configuration in which a first base station 113 feeds itsown user stations 114, but also operates a backhaul link to a furtherbase station 1115. The configuration is particularly useful when core IPconnections are not locally available or are not cost effective.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17C which is a simplified diagramillustrating an alternative configuration in which a backhaul connectionis needed between a base station 116 and a base station 118 but there isnot sufficient reach. The user station 117 is equipped with a repeaterand acts as a relay for the backhaul channel, thus allowing an extendedconnection.

FIG. 17D is a simplified diagram illustrating a configuration in whichcore IP is used to supply a local center. The local center broadcastsvia first and second repeaters to a base station. In this way minimalcore IP connection is used and a local center feeds a number of basestations irrespective of the range, provided that a sufficient number ofrelays are available.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18, which is a simplified diagram showinghow the network of FIG. 17 can be used to provide hotspot coverage. Inthe figure, the IEEE 802.16 standard provides the WAN, whilst the IEEE802.11 standard, which defines hot spots, provides short range but highcapacity coverage around each separate micro-base station. Thus highcapacity Internet can be provided within the hotspots to anyone with adevice that is able to log in successfully. The WAN is thus able tosupplement local cellular networks with a data capacity level which thecellular networks are simply unable to provide. Furthermore, if thedensity of micro-base stations is high enough then the WAN can replacethe cellular networks altogether. Thus there is provided the ability forthe DBS operator to operate a mobile network over its DISHinfrastructure, using 802.16e or 802.20.

The conversion of the satellite antenna as described herein enables atransformation of the current installed location into a 802.11 WiFihotspot. The 802.16 WAN cloud thus serves as a backdrop to a series ofWiFi hotspots. Transition between 802.11 and 802.16 operation is part ofthe 802.16 standard and is preferably carried out in accordance with thestandard.

The use of the topologies described in FIGS. 17 and 18 create a highlydense mesh network, enabling a lowering of the cost of base stationinstallation, transmission at lower power in every location, optionalrouting paths that can increase the utilization of infrastructure, andfurthermore, the addition of hotspot technology may serve as the basestructure for a future mobile network.

Reference is now made to FIG. 19, which is a simplified block diagramillustrating the components of combined CPE and splitter combiner 32 asillustrated in FIG. 3. As will be recalled, the combined unit 32combines the functions of the splitter combiner and the CPE. As shown inFIG. 19, the gateway 96 includes splitter combiner unit 120 and CPE unit122, the latter providing management for the WAN standard and ifrelevant the hotspot standard. The residential gateway is provided withinterfaces for a LAN and direct interfaces for STBs and different kindsof ports. The splitter combiner unit 120 is connected to the co-ax cablethat leads to the satellite antenna installation.

FIG. 20 is a system diagram showing the various components of theresidential gateway 96 from a system point of view. An 802.16transceiver unit 130 provides an interface to the WAN for the incoming,outgoing and relay WAN traffic. A set top box interface 132 provides aninterface for one or more STBs. A voice over IP gateway 134 provides anInterface for telephones. An 802.11 interface 136 allows a connectionfor any 802.11 compatible device so as to set up a local hotspot. A10/100 switch 138 provides connectivity for 10 and 100 Mb/s ports. Theresidential gateway can be connected directly to a LAN if desired.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21, which is a simplified diagram showingthe residential gateway 96 connected to STB 140. STB 140 is also shownfrom a system point of view. The STB has a direct receiver 142 for theincoming satellite signal which does not need to be relayed through thegateway. An encryption unit 144 deals with any encryption issues of thesignal and an MPEG unit 146 carries out MPEG decoding. RC unit 148 is aninterface for a remote control and a tuner 150 carries out standardinterface functions for the TV set. Return channel unit 152 is aninterface to the gateway 96 and provides the TV set with a returnchannel and a connection in general to the WAN part of the system. Thesystem mimics the operation of the telco return channel to the installedSTB, and thus provides seamless integration between the new and legacysystems.

Returning to encryption unit 144, streaming and other content iscurrently protected by encryption. The present embodiments areintegrated to the existing satellite TV solutions for encryption. Thusthe user requests the protected content in the usual way, via his remotecontrol used interactively with the screen. The request from the userarrives from the Remote control to the STB, where it is analyzed. Afterthis first analysis the request is sent by the Return channel to anAuthentication sub-system at the Head end. After a second analysis,possibly including a check on billing policy for the current user, anencryption key is produced and sent to the user via a downstream channelwhich may be either Satellite or WAN to the STB and partially to theResidential Gateway, this part by WAN. The encrypted content is thensent by the WAN to the Residential Gateway where it may be stored, ifstorage is available, or streamed directly. The encrypted content isthen opened by the STB. User commands for playing the content, such asPause, Fast Forward, etc. may be sent to the RG or to the head-end VODserver. The content if stored, may be saved or erased from the RGaccording to system policy. The data storage can thus provide a PVRfunction for a legacy STB.

It is noted that simple routing functions (dynamic host configurationprotocol (DHCP), NAT) and VoIP functions are also embedded.

Reference is now made to FIG. 22, which is a simplified system diagramof the combined STB and residential gateway unit 94 of FIGS. 16B and D.Parts that are the same as in previous figures are given the samereference numerals and are not referred to again except as necessary forunderstanding the present embodiment. The device is a combination of thedevices of FIGS. 20 and 21, except that the interfaces between the STBand the residential gateway are no longer required. Instead a CPU 160 isprovided for overall control. A hard disk drive 139 is provided for datastorage. The hard disk drive may in fact be provided in any of theembodiments and allows for content to be downloaded and then stored at alater time.

Reference is now made to FIG. 23, which is a system diagram of a WANbase station suitable for supporting antennas 76 at each WAN. The basestation comprises a connection to the core IP infrastructure throughwhich data is transferred to and from the transmission center. Theinfrastructure is here denoted as “internet telecom cloud” to indicatethat any available infrastructure may be used that can support the kindof data and the quantity of data that needs to be transferred. The basestation includes a subscriber management system 162 that carries outsubscriber management tasks such as determining whether a particularservice is available to the given subscriber and the like. Anauthentication server 164 and an application server 166 are alsoprovided, as is a mesh algorithm unit 168 which deals with issues suchas routing over the network. As will be recalled, the base stationoperates as a point to multipoint transmitter to reach users in the WAN,but as shown in FIG. 17 mesh type relaying of data is also supported andthe mesh algorithm unit provides the support for such a function.

An air interface unit 170 transforms the incoming data into a signalthat can be transmitted. DHCP 172 allows for automatic assignment of IPaddresses for a LAN. Finally a transmission arrangement 174 ofamplifiers, duplexers and antenna physically allows the signal to betransmitted.

An alternative design of the base station is a construction of roof-topunits connected with an integral or external IP switch, thus serving asa flat and low cost base station structure.

With the present embodiment a satellite operator is able to useterrestrial broadcast technology over a WAN, such as a network based onthe IEEE 802.16 or 802.20 standards, in order to support return channeland unicast functionality and services and to become a full multipleservice provider to compete with the cable companies.

More specifically the present embodiments enable the DBS operator toprovide such broadcast services as a return channel via unlicensed orlicensed wireless networks for interactive applications. Also theembodiments can provide unicast services such as IP telephony, video ondemand (VOD), Internet access, games on demand, multi-user gaming andmore.

The infrastructure described herein can be expanded to mobile voice anddata services if, as described above in respect of FIG. 18, each WANunit and antenna is also used to provide a 802.16e or 802.20 mobile useraccess or alternatively can support a local hotspot service, for exampleusing the IEEE 802.11 standard.

The WAN or Wimax network is an add-on to the existing satellite baseddigital broadcasting network to close the loop from the end-user to theDBS headend.

The Wimax network section is constructed using a base-station andDBS/CPEs as described above.

The return and unicast link between the end-user and the headend ispacket-based and is transmitted firstly over existing core IPinfrastructure to a WAN base station and then by wireless over the WAN,as discussed above in respect of FIG. 13.

The Wimax network is seamlessly connected to the existing DBS networkthrough router 72 at head end 60.

Existing STBs do not have to be adapted, and instead can be connected toa separate residential gateway using such interfacing as a V90 I/F withseamless interface to the CPE or Wimax unit. For those existing set topboxes which include a modem for a telephone return channel the CPE canbe configured to support of rings and analog levels, thereby mimickingthe telephone link. The gateway preferably includes a UARTinterface—RS232, a USB interface, or an Ethernet/Fast Ethernetinterface, as described above.

As explained, it is also possible to provide an integrated STB with fullresidential gateway capabilities and Wimax capabilities.

For customers who require, it is possible to provide a ResidentialGateway Minimal application, which is nothing more than an uplink forthe set top box. The uplink, or return channel, enables the STB tosupport interactive commands, gaming, interactive TV/games but does notallow for any services that require unicast.

A return channel only application has minimal bandwidth usage, andenables a satellite provider to start with a bare minimal base-stationinfrastructure and relatively large cell sizes. The provider may thenadd more base stations only as more services and more users are addedand more revenues are generated.

A more sophisticated version of the residential gateway includes adownlink via the WAN which enables the STB to directly support dedicatedtraffic such as video on demand, gaming on demand and the like.

As described above in respect of FIG. 16B it is possible to expandingthe STB capabilities to include the Residential Gateway. Such a combineddevice supports high speed Internet access by the satellite TV provider,hot-spot support with integrated WiFi, video on demand, interactivegames, etc, as well as interactive TV.

Extending the Residential Gateway capabilities as shown in FIG. 16Cprovides the additional services of a full Residential Gateway includinga VoIP Telephone service provided by the satellite provider. An extendedResidential Gateway may contain additional functions such asPersonalized Video Recording—PVR (virtual or included disk) voice mailand the like.

End user unit antennae for the WAN has been described up till now asbeing located with the satellite dish. However this is not essential andin certain embodiments the WAN antenna may be located internally by theend-user device although this results in short reach. For cases in whichthere is a high density of satellite users such short reach may besufficient. An external window antenna may be provided for improved orextended reach, and a roof antenna may be located over the existingsatellite antenna mount, as described above, to give maximum possiblereach. In such a case, as described above, the existing connectioninfrastructure at the user premises is used wherever possible, and theconnection from the antenna to the end-unit is over the existing coaxcable.

The electronics to provide Wimax-TV inter-signal interferencesuppression are provided. The Wimax base-station supportspoint-to-multi-point and MESH-type routing over the WAN. In a preferredembodiment there is also support for mobile telephony devices. The useof Mesh topology allows more bandwidth and better coverage.

The MESH topology and the use of the satellite receiver infrastructureenables the satellite TV provider to maximize his infrastructure andright of way.

In such a mesh transmission mode, some of the users become relays ormicro base stations and improve network coverage. There are morepathways over the network and there is better usage of the installedsatellite receiver infrastructure.

By adding mobile support over the created wireless data infrastructurethe satellite TV provider is able to enhance his services and offerservices to nomadic or mobile users.

As shown in FIG. 18, every roof-top antenna may become a hot-spot fornomadic users if desired.

The satellite TV provider may thus compete with cellular operators andoffer mobile VoIP voice services. The satellite TV provider also becomesa provider of multiple services and the customers benefit by having asingle bill for all of these services.

Reference is now made to FIG. 24, which illustrates the construction ofa coax based network over which WiMax may be applied. The figureillustrates a number of different regions between the user 2400 and thehead end 2402, any or all of which may use coax.

The regions are as follows:

-   -   1. From the cable modem to the roof, for the purpose of        delivering a WiMAx service using the coax infrastructure    -   2. From a Wimax supporting Cable STB to the supported home        devices 2408    -   3. Local distribution delivering wimax over cable coax in        addition to existing signals 2410, and    -   4. As a totally separate delivery network from the headend 2412.

In addition, coax may be used for any part of the route from the headendto the user, such as from a fiber or hybrid node 2414, or from a coaxnode (such as the home units). WiMax support can be integrated in thecable STBs or may be a separate residential gateway connecting to theCable coax network. Wiamx support can be local (an NLOS embeddedantenna) or via an external antenna.

Reference is now made to FIG. 25, which is a simplified schematicdiagram illustrating the general outline for providing an interactivesystem according to the present embodiments when the outward broadcastchannel is provided using conventional terrestrial broadcasting (DVB-T).As shown in FIG. 25, an outward broadcast leg 2500 is sent viaterrestrial transmitters from a head end 2502 to users 2504. Thereturn/interactive/unicast leg is sent via a WAN 2506 and undefinedmedia 2508.

Reference is now made to FIG. 26, which shows a hybrid wireless digitalvideo broadcast network in which an outward broadcast leg 2600 usesterrestrial broadcasting (DVB-T) and a return channel, interactive andunicast services are supported via a WAN 2602 between a head end 2604and user 2606.

It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevantsatellite TV and WAN devices and systems will be developed and thescopes of the terms herein, particularly of the terms “WAN”, “hot spot”,“and “satellite broadcast”, are intended to include all such newtechnologies a priori.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present invention.

1. A TV broadcasting system comprising: an outward broadcast link tosupply a multi-channel video signal to reach each of a plurality of userreceiver installations, and a return link from each of said plurality ofusers, said return channel being provided over a terrestrial channel viaa terrestrial network comprising a plurality of nodes, said nodes beingprovided by at least some of said plurality of user installations. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein said outward broadcast link is asatellite link.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said outward broadcastlink is a terrestrial link.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein saidterrestrial network further supports a second forward link to each ofsaid plurality of user receiver installations.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein said terrestrial network is a wide area network (WAN) operativesubstantially in accordance with IEEE standard 802.16 or IEEE standard802.20.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of said nodescomprise support for a communications hotspot.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein said communications hotspot is substantially in accordance withIEEE Standard 802.11.
 8. The system of claim 1, comprising a pluralityof terrestrial networks.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein saidterrestrial network comprises a central base station for broadcasting toother nodes thereof using a mesh algorithm.
 10. The system of claim 9,further comprising IP core infrastructure to transmit data between ahead end unit and said central base station.
 11. The system of claim 1,comprising a head end unit to direct TV channel content over saidoutward broadcast link and to manage interactive services for respectiveusers using data received from respective users over said return link.12. A TV broadcasting method comprising: providing an outward broadcastlink to reach each of a plurality of user receiver installations,forming at least some of said plurality of user receiver installationsinto nodes of a terrestrial two-way transmission network, and providingat least a return link from each of said plurality of users via saidnetwork.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said outward broadcast linkis a satellite link.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein said outwardbroadcast link is a terrestrial link.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein said network further supports a second outward link to each ofsaid plurality of user receiver installations.
 16. The method of claim12, wherein said network is a wide area network (WAN) substantially inaccordance with IEEE standard 802.16 or IEEE standard 802.20.
 17. Themethod of claim 12, wherein at least some of said nodes comprise supportfor a communications hotspot.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein saidcommunications hotspot is substantially in accordance with IEEE Standard802.11.
 19. The method of claim 12, comprising building a plurality ofnetworks to cover a region.
 20. The method of claim 12, comprisingproviding said network with a central base station for broadcasting toother nodes thereof using a mesh algorithm.
 21. The method of claim 20,further comprising utilizing IP core infrastructure to transmit databetween a head end unit and said central base station.
 22. The method ofclaim 12, comprising providing a head end unit to direct TV channelcontent over said outward broadcast link and to manage interactiveservices for respective users using data received from respective usersover said network.